Summary (December 2013)

Namaste,

Like previous years, in the month of December, instead of a new assignment, we review our year-long learning. This year, the hawan kids not only learnt about different Hindu scriptures but also understood the vast and deep teachings in them. Below are the scriptures we covered throughout the year.

In this month Hawan, we are looking forward to seeing our kids’ understanding of the scriptures in the form of presentations, skits, poems, posters and projects. The idea is to share what they learnt using different modes.

Kids, make the group proud!

Regards,
Harsh Mendiratta

Note: If you are doing a power point, please bring it in a USB drive.

Scripture

Overview

Bhagwad Gita

A sacred Hindu book capturing the discourses Yogeshwar Sri Krishna gave to Arjuna on the Mahabharata battlefield. It is one of the greatest spiritual books that world has ever known.

Mahabharat

The Mahabharata tells the story of the Pandavas and the Kauravas who were two paternal cousins. It captures the detailed description of the conflicts and struggle between the two families. Apart from being a composition of the historical events, it has huge religious relevance.

Ramayana

Ramayana captures the life-details of Lord Rama. While keeping Lord Rama at the center stage, it portrays a picture of Hindu Society in Vedic age by describing how our Vedic and Upanishadic values were not only taught in schools but also lived in daily lives. Ramayana provides a framework and guidelines for living an ideal life.

Vedas

Vedas are our most important scriptures. At the dawn of creation, the Almighty God revealed the pure knowledge (the Vedas) to Rishis when they deeply meditated upon Him for long durations without any desire for personal gains. The knowledge contained in Vedas form the foundation of Hindu religion. The literal meaning of the word Veda is knowledge.
• Saamveda: Spiritual Sciences, Devotional Music; Author: Aditya Rishi
• Rigveda: Spiritual Sciences including Biological and Life Sciences; Author: Agni Rishi
• Yajurveda: Spiritual Sciences including Purushartha, Duties, Deeds, Civil & Military Scienc;uthor: Vaayu Rishi
• Atharvaveda: Spiritual Sciences, Astronomy, Mathematics, Geometry, Algebra, Engineering, Economics, Political Science; Author: Angira Rishi

Upanishads

In the ancient times, to explain the divine knowledge of the Vedas, Rishis gave discourses to the inquisitive minds. These discourses have been compiled to form the Upanishads. While there are large number of Upanishads (more than one hundred), eleven are considered most important.

Satyarth Prakash

Satyarth Prakash is a scripture written by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, founder of Arya Samaj. It clarifies Vedic principles. During Middle Ages of Indian history, many faiths and sects sprang up in Hindu society. They drifted away from Vedic teachings. Differences among these faiths divided the Hindu society and made it weak. Caste system became strong and further divided the Hindu society. It was at this time that Swami Dayanand wrote the Satyarth Prakash to spread the knowledge of the Vedas.